VFL: John Law Medal

As the year draws to a close, focus has shifted to North Melbourne’s most prestigious event, the Syd Barker Medal.

Friday night’s annual celebration will mark the unveiling of the inaugural John Law Medal, awarded to the best and fairest player for North’s VFL side.

John Law played 219 senior games from 1978 to 1989 and is a former captain, reserves premiership player, reserves assistant coach and reserves coach.

With a plethora of well-performed players featuring for the royal blue and white in 2018, North Media takes a look at some of the prominent names that could be in the running.

The frontrunners

Nick Rippon (VFL-listed)

The former JJ Liston Medallist was a prolific ball-winner for the Roos in 2018.

Often listed as the oldest North player on game day, the accomplished 24-year-old led by example, showing an ability to regularly win inside footy, despite facing much stronger bodies in and around stoppages.

A staple of consistency, Rippon was listed as part of the best performed players in 15 of his 17 appearances.

Chris Jansen (VFL-listed)

Chris Jansen made a big impact at the club in his first year of VFL football, after crossing from the SANFL.

Jansen was named co-captain along with Michael Close and had a strong impact on and off the field.

A mainstay in the North Melbourne midfield, Jansen was a reliable performer each week due to ability to win contested ball and his impressive disposal.

Ben McKay

A season of growth allowed McKay to establish himself as one of the leading marking authorities at Arden St.

The third-year Roo highlighted his development, showing clean hands with his intercept marking, becoming a mainstay in North’s defensive six.

McKay’s versatility was on display throughout the season proper, enjoying success in roles at both ends of the ground.

Nick Larkey

The ‘Frosty’ Miller Medallist had a break-out season, topping the goal-kicking charts with 41 goals in just 17 games.

On the fringe of senior selection for a vast majority of the year, the second-year forward showed why he is seen by many as a direct replacement for Jarrad Waite, booting several bags against quality opposition.

Braydon Preuss

Although Preuss was unable to feature for North’s senior side in 2018, the big man still topped the competition for hit-outs.

The 23-year-old is knocking on the door at AFL level after dominating against several experienced talls for the bulk of the season, including a remarkable 75 hit-outs against Sandringham.

The views in this article are those of the author and not necessarily those of the AFL or its clubs